#DIY Blog en francais/ Hello French side of my heritage.

J'aime le monde de la créativité

I am half French Canadian and a quarter Welsh and a dash of Irish mixed in.
Which explains my character and namesake,with all this being said
I found a delightful french (Pardon,Parisian not Quebecois) DIY Fashion Blog
to get your creative mind & sewing machine charged up.
Visit & make at MAKE MY LEMONADE



Follow my stories on:
Instagram: @misstailormademtl
Twitter: @tailormademtl

Tailor made thoughts: Spark up your winter groove. Shine,sparkle and move forward.

"Whether it be boredom, fear, exhaustion or simply distraction, there are ways to shatter the walls that threaten to keep your ideas from developing. Here are a few exercises that can help in overcoming creative blockades, no matter what type of project you find yourself working on."

http://darlingmagazine.org/overcoming-creative-blockades/

In the midst of the winter tundra, I am often torn by the lack of sunlight & the frost hitting me at full force. Despite all the elements, I am strengthening and planning for the Spring months.
Filling my notebooks,making lists and re-organizing my mind to prepare for those BIG shiny new projects. 

To give you all some background, I have changed my surroundings and made the move to Toronto. 
This move bought a new twist in my journey introducing the costume world to my repertoire of experiences. 

I still undoubtedly support talented designers,aspiring seamstresses and creative newbies.
This will always be my bottom line.
(I am still offering online tutorials,consultations and mentoring.)

As I am exploring this part of my life, I welcome you all to write me and share your thoughts,ask advice and propose design collaborations,etc.

I will be sharing with you all from time to time, DIY ideas, inspirations, connections,stories of my students/mentees and thoughts of the creative world.

You can always find me here:

EMAIL :Tailor.mademtl@gmail.com

BLOG: www.tailormadestudio.ca

FB : www.facebook.com/TailorMadeStudio

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/Tailormademtl

D.I.Y Capelets for the Summer Evening chill...Brrrrr

Quick & Slick D.I.Y Fashion project

Hot! hot! weather Caplet with bedazzled details

If I had free reign I would make one in bold intricate "green as fresh grass" lace to top off

a 50's whirly circle skirt

Need Advice? Contact tailor.mademtl@gmail.com

Gift Certificates available for Private Fashion Sewing Courses

Private Beginner Sewing course 
Gift Certificates 
available now for the aspiring Seamstress!

*I started sewing when I was 12 years old and I haven't looked back since.
I can't imagine my life without this, the ability to shape,stitch,re-d

o & create textiles & clothes.

There is no better time to start than the present, I may have been doing it ...for a very long time but I never stop learning & discovering new aspects about sewing.
Anyone can do this, you just have to at least try it once to understand the work behind everything you wear.

-Nicole
fairyesque.studio@gmail.com

Sheerness & the lake

Adjective:

Nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis): "she giggled with sheer delight". There's something riveting & revealing about wearing sheer fabrics. For me I love the drama of  all the tails of fabric flying behind me. I was talking to a student of mine Jas about the new fixation with this style, We talked about how it suited any body type or character, it's like we didn't have to hide behind layers of heavy fabric but to be free flowing.  I brought up the bubble skirt/dress phenomenon, her being almost 15 years younger hadn't really experienced the longevity of the voluminous fabric bubbles. I remembered feeling like a walking tomato.  I've never had a sleek figure, it leans towards the curvy side. So I am drawn to the sheerness & the elegance of it. This Summer in honor of sheerness, I made a Off the shoulder Floral dress with a matching strapless slip for a summer event and I have been making dress after dress of pure lightness. .................................................... Il ya quelque chose rivetiing et révélant au sujet du port tissus transparents. Pour moi, j'aime le drame de toutes les queues de tissu de vol derrière moi. Je parlais à un étudiant de Jas la mine sur la fixation du nouveau avec ce style, Nous avons parlé de la façon dont il convient tout type de corps ou de caractère, c'est comme si nous n'avons pas eu à se cacher derrière des couches de tissu lourd, mais pour s'écouler librement. J'ai fait monter la bulle jupe / robe phénomène, son être près de 15 ans plus jeune n'avait pas vraiment connu la longévité des bulles de tissu volumineux. Je me suis souvenu se sentir comme une tomate à pied.   Je n'ai jamais eu un chiffre élégant, il se penche vers le côté sinueux. Donc, je suis attiré par la verticalité et l'élégance de celui-ci. Cet été, en l'honneur de la verticalité, j'ai fait un arrêt de la robe épaule floral avec un bordereau de correspondance bustier pour un événement estival et j'ai été prise robe après robe de pure légèreté.

The Love of Skirts (and dresses too!)

Years ago I decided that skirts & dresses suited me & my body and this began my love of anything skirt/dress- like.
One of the easiest and non-fussy pieces to sew and create is a Circle Skirt, I believe it fits everywhere but more importantly in my daily life & business. It adds that little extra swish to my walk and compliments my array of accessories and tops.
So I found this amazing tutorial when I was doing my usual digging one day and I wanted to share it. I really wanted to inspire you to start your first project or at least your absolute favourite piece of the summer. The best thing about skirts is that as soon as you change the top and any detail around it, it becomes a whole new look. So nobody will find out that you actually have only one! (that's a trick of mine!).
* you can try this in jersey or woven fabric, play with fun prints & textures.
If you are really struggling with it, don't hesitate to ask me questions (see above on the right!).
I will be sure to answer it!
~Nicole Picard
www.fairyesque.ca


via http://makingthings.andreatung.com

My Student, Carol Ribeiro's Pin Up Style Dress!

She is a talented seamstress & musician! (she also is the master mind behind my workshop video!)...She whipped this out in my 12 hour sewing course...I was so impressed how quickly she assembled & sewed everything. Her skills are impeccable! 
Found out more about her here at the Quartier Mode Blog

"Blue-eyed Coquette" accessories available at The Citizen Vintage POP-UP sale

Be sure to "SAVE THE DATE" for the 2nd edition of the Quartier Mode Pop-up sale series!
Curating each sale, more interesting & stylish than the last.
It will take place at the Mile End newly established Citizen Vintage at 5330 Boulevard St.Laurent
July 28th-30th every day from 11-7pm (find designer & vintage wares!).
Don't forget to miss the party to jump start the event on Thursday July 28th (5-7pm)

2nd: My sewing student Jasmine's Testimonial

"My style has never been more defined and unique since meeting Nicole. Altering garments and personalizing them to reflect my taste has been easily attainable with Nicole’s skills. Her extensive knowledge has allowed me to go beyond the basics and explore not only the fundamentals of sewing but fulfill my aspirations. Sewing is a skill that is achievable through Nicole. Not only have I fine-tuned my sewing skills but I have developed a friendship with a kind, patient and talented individual."

-Jasmine Lillie ( she is wearing two of her creations: Leather shorts & de-constructed tee)

* Jasmine always brings laughter,rogue-like qualities and a twinkle in her eye to our lessons.There's almost a new project every session, she knows how to run with an inspiration, usually in the upcycle, re-work and re-fashion kind of way with a dash of bohemian/punk energy.

Interviewed by Aimee Davison

Host & Producer Aimee Davison (Her new project: One hundred jobs)

Couture Xpress by Labcreatif

In 2008 & 2009 I participated in Couture Xpress hosted by Lab Creatif (organization Supporting local Fashion designers), in which I made a dress (or outfit) in 60 minutes using recycled clothing from Village de Valeurs. Here's a peak at my " in the moment" creations. I strongly believe in supporting new talent in the industry
and it's one of the main reasons why I am a teacher & mentor now!!

Private Sewing & Design Lessons with Nicole Picard

Please see my 2 course descriptions below ( please contact me regarding costs);

Beginner Seamstress:
Course duration: Two hours once a week for six weeks (12 hours)
Fabric, supplies and use of sewing machine included.
In this one-on-one class, you will learn:
Sewing-machine basics
Tools and terminology
How to prepare, mark, and cut fabric

• How to read a commercial pattern
• How to sew a garment that fits

Projects: Bag or A-line Skirt
Week one • Learning your sewing machine • Different fabric and supplies • Measuring yourself • Choosing patterns
Week two • Reading a pattern • Aligning pattern pieces • Marking and cutting your fabric
Week three • Interfacing • Darts • Zippers ( Tote bag: lining and interfacing)
Week four • Waistbands • Hems (Tote bag: Straps and pockets)
Week five • Garment fitting (Tote bag: Add extra details)
Week six • Finish project

Your Own Project :
Course duration: Two hours once a week for four weeks (8 hours)
Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills
Fabric and Supplies: To be purchased by student


In this one-on-one class, you will learn:
• How to copy and trace existing garments
• How to adjust the pattern
• How to sew a garment that fits (Made- to- Measure)

Projects
• Of your choice
Week one • Tracing the garment • Seam allowances
Week two • Adjusting the pattern • Cutting and sewing
Week three • Sewing of garment • Adjustments
Week four • Finishing garment

"DESIGN & CREATE YOUR OWN UP-CYCLED ACCESSORY! "

Sewing Workshop at Ethik Boutique (6050 ST. HUBERT// CORNER OF BELLECHASSE)
This Saturday April 17th

Designer Nicole Picard (of Fairyesque & www.fairyesquestudio.blogspot.com) will show you how to hand-sew a beautiful hair/ brooch accessory using found & vintage fabrics in this 3-hour workshop.
Bring yourself & your favorite fabric pieces!
All supplies with be provided( Including ribbons, notions, buttons and extra fabric)
Cost: $50 per person (bring 2 friends and pay $30 per person)


ETHIK BGC is an incubator of ethical fashion, a mixture of boutique, gallery and entrepreneurial business centre.
ETHIK BGC un autre MODE d'agir
www.ethik-bgc.ca

"Blue-eyed Coquette" Hair Accessories designed by Nicole Picard

I have been buzzing around a little collecting buttons,ribbons & pieces of fabric to create my newest inspiration. "Blue-eyed Coquette" is a NEW collection of one-of-a-kind hair accessories (on pins,clips & combs!) available exclusively at General 54 (54 St.Viateur).

Visit this Vintage & Local designer boutique during Nuit blanche this Saturday February 27th.

NEW! Photoshoot for one of my lovely students (sewing & design)

A few weeks ago one of my talented student's (Erika Ferreira) created 3 pieces which were sewn & created under my guidance, for her fashion portfolio for Ryerson University. We then created a rogue photoshoot with more creative ladies in tow! Our model was my wildly hilarious friend, Aimee Davison of "100 hundred jobs" and the calming photographer was Emily Gan